Water dispenser

Abstract

A water dispenser is provided for dispensing hot water, cold water, and carbonated water, all of which is filtered. The dispenser includes a housing defining a front dispensing face, a rear face, opposite side walls and a bottom wall. A filter is mounted in the housing and has a rear end connectable to a source of water and a front end accessible at the front face of the housing to facilitate replacing the filter. A dispensing faucet is disposed at the front face of the housing. A hot water tank is located at one side of the housing and has an inlet for receiving filtered water from the filter and a hot water outlet near the dispensing faucet for delivering hot water thereto. An ice bank assembly is located at an opposite side of the housing and has an inlet for receiving filtered water from the filter and a cold water outlet near the dispensing faucet for delivering cold water thereto. A compressor is mounted on the bottom wall of the housing and is coupled to one end of the ice bank evaporator. A condenser coil is mounted at the rear face of the housing and is coupled between the compressor and an opposite end of the evaporator. A carbonator has an inlet for receiving filtered water from the filter and an outlet near the dispensing faucet for delivering carbonated water thereto.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention generally relates to the art of beverage dispensers and, particularly, to a water dispenser for dispensing hot water, cold water and carbonated water, all of which is filtered.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Beverage dispensers come in a wide variety of configurations ranging from large apparatus which might be used in fast food restaurants, for example, to smaller appliances used in a home or office. Regardless of the size of the dispenser, various considerations must be addressed in designing a particular dispenser. The present invention is directed to a water dispenser which involves its own set of considerations.[0003]For instance, as is known, tap water can range from being luke warm to mildly cool in temperature. A water dispenser must be capable of delivering quite cold water for various beverages, if not simply for drinking the cold water, per se. The dispenser should be capable of dispensing hot water for such beverages as coffee ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a new and improved water dispenser that can dispense hot water, cold water, and carbonated water. The dispenser has a housing with a front dispensing face, a rear face, side walls, and a bottom wall. A filter is mounted in the housing and a dispensing faucet is provided at the front face of the housing. An ice bank assembly is provided with a tank, a cooling liquid bath, and cold water and refrigeration coils. A compressor and condenser coil are connected to the coils. A carbonator is located inside the ice bank assembly. The front face of the housing has a front opening and a door for closing the opening. The dispensing faucet is removably mounted and a cover is provided for closing the faucet. The faucet has a single dispensing port and three inlet ports for hot water, cold water, and carbonated water. The tank has a trapezoidal shape and a circulation pump is located in the tank at the wider end. The technical effects of the invention include improved water dispensing with a wide range of temperatures, a unique carbonator design, and a convenient and easy-to-use faucet."

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, these apparatus require constant maintenance for the prevention of bacteria and algae growth.

Consequently, these reservoir systems often use UV or Ozone, but this adds considerably to the cost, complexity and service requirements of the apparatus.

The space which such an appliance requires on a countertop is critical.

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